Virtual Music Lessons - You Can Do It!

As a piano teacher, I provide virtual lessons regularly for students who live at a distance and occasionally when my local students are sick. Since 2020, the majority of music instructors have gained some level of experience with virtual instruction!

When I first began teaching virtually, I believed it would be more difficult than in-person instruction. What I discovered, however, is there are many pros to virtual lessons and it's much easier than I anticipated.

>>>> We've discussed some pros in the blog post "The Perks of Virtual Instruction."

In this post I have shared information regarding 1) platforms, 2) teaching considerations specific to virtual lessons, and 3) games / resources. I hope these tips will make virtual lessons a breeze! If you have any additional thoughts or resources to share, please add them in the comments section. It's always great to learn from one another! 

Platforms

Photo Credit: david-taylor.org

Zoom: $0 - $14.99 (Free for 40 minute sessions) - this is what I most often use!

• This platform works across many PC, Apple, and Android devices! 
• You can record video calls so you can give your student a recording of their lesson (receive their permission first).
• Zoom's screen share is a great option (I use this often for referring to a PDF of music, sharing a YouTube video, or drawing on a digital whiteboard)
  
  

FaceTime: Free!

• FaceTime is available for all Apple devices (iPhone, iPad or computer). It's a great, easy-to-use free resource; however, if you want to teach through it, your student must have an Apple device too. The fact it is pre-installed is helpful though, nothing has to be downloaded!
  
  

Skype: Free!

• It works on PCs and Macs (Your students will need to have downloaded and installed it too, and create a Skype account.)
• You can record sessions and screen share, too!
• You can schedule calls in advance within the software.
  
  

Google Meet: $0 - $7.99 / month

• I haven't tried this platform yet; however, David Taylor has great advice about this within this article.
  
  

Rock Out Loud: $0 - $13.95 / month

• Created specifically for music teachers with built in teaching resources!
• Audio quality is higher with less lag time; however, both the instructor and student must wear headphones during the session in order to not experience feedback.

Teaching Considerations

Your Device: I've found teaching from a computer provides the best experience for my students. Many platforms offer more capabilities when being accessed from a computer.

Camera Angle: If you only have one camera (as most of us do), I recommend placing your computer at a height that is eye-level and allows the student to see all of your instrument. I've gotten pretty creative with a stool and stack of books ☺

Access to Student's Music: When teaching virtually, it's best to have a copy of the students music. If I already own the book, great! If not, I either purchase a copy or ask the student to email me photos / scans the music they are currently studying. In a pinch, I ask the student to hold their music in front of their camera and I can take a screenshot of the music to refer to! 

Communication: Be cognizant of the rate of your speech. When teaching virtually, I try to speak slightly slower than I do in person. 

Distractions: Students can be easily distracted (and more so in a virtual learning setting!) Try to eliminate all potential distractions and teach in a well-lit, tidy space. 

Games & Resources

There are many online resources and blog posts for virtual instruction. Here are some of my favorites!
​

• Ashley Danyew: 22 Creative Ideas for Teaching Music Online
• Private Music Studio: 10 Tips to Make Virtual Learning FUN!
• National Piano Foundation: Games Make Learning Fun
• Lessons In Your Home: 10 Things You Can Do Today In Your Online Music Lesson (<- Practical ways to structure the time!)

I also screen-share and use the online free game of "Name That Note"!

You Can Do It!

As a perfectionist I don't want to begin something unless I know how to do everything exactly "right." I've learned that it's more than okay to start with a simple approach and improve little by little over time. It's likely both you and your student are new to virtual lessons so you'll be able to learn together! :)

Happy teaching and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

​Holly Slice
Owner, SC Music Lessons